The Fruits of Summer~

     As a child, one of my favorite things about summer was the anticipation of having plump sweet fresh blueberries from our huge hedgerow of bushes. There were, and still are, about nine or so bushes! Probably six of those put out the best crops.  Mom and dad diligently pruned beneath them and kept the grass clipped so that we could more easily spot any slithering visitors.  Only a few times can I remember having a weak crop due to major frosts in early spring or no rain. I'm not really sure when my parents set out the bushes but it was long before I showed up! 
     When it was time to pick, they had a supply of plastic ice-cream buckets and used an old belt or rope to tie one around my waist.  There we were, like mother-like daughter, on opposite sides of the bushes, gently pulling handfuls of fat blueberries and plopping them into our pails.  Well, my handful was never much to count on and upon inspection of my pail after about a half hour of picking, mom knew there was more to it when I would show up with berries rolling around in my pail, not even fully covering the bottom.  After venturing around to where I was assigned to pick, mom could see that plenty of berries were missing from about two feet from the bottom all along the bushes.  What can I say?  It was far too much temptation for a small child to resist!  
    The berries bloom beginning in early May, then the little green berries pop out by June. Come July, there are more blueberries than your eyes can see and more than your tummy could hold, almost.  I tried to eat too much but somehow, I could eat more blueberries than any mortal.  With an abundant supply, we had more than we could pick most summers. Riding my pony bareback on a lazy day, the two of us would walk along the bushes and grasp a handful or mouthful, or two, or three. Riding my bike in the heat of the day demanded a pit stop along the bushes to rest in the shade over a sweet snack. Hide and seek was impossible!  I could always be found under the bushes.  It was just a matter of knowing which one. My shirts were always stained on the lower front from cupping it as a make shift bucket. I've had more antioxidants in my lifetime and then some.  You would think one would get tired of blueberries. I think my two older brothers did.  Not me!  Pancakes and muffins with fresh blueberries, yum!  Fresh blueberry pie or crumble cake, yum! Vanilla ice cream doused with milk and blueberries, yum!  
     To this day, mom faithfully tends to the bushes. Beginning in late April, she peeks to visit the awakened buds.  There's always a need to check for undergrowth and trumpet vines! Through May, she monitors the delicate white flowers that have burst open to the warm sun. By June, sweet anticipation!  I am sure that she warns the birds that they are only allowed to feed from the tops (which is where she cannot reach). That's the agreement. Nature provides enough for everyone.  For years now, mom has delivered a gift of berries to her doctors office and her former boss.  She has a running list of customers who buy them from her.  
     Today while visiting mom and dad, I had to take a picture.  My sweet mama and her little blue fingers.

At about the 7th bush